A senior Biden administration official has disclosed that China and Sweden played instrumental roles in securing the release of Private Travis King, an American soldier who had been detained in North Korea for over two months. The official provided insights into the events leading to King’s return to U.S. custody, speaking anonymously with reporters.
Sweden, which maintains diplomatic ties with North Korea, acted as the “primary interlocutor” in facilitating King’s transfer from North Korea to China, according to the official. China, in turn, aided in the process of transporting King from North Korea into China, where he was subsequently taken into U.S. custody. The official reported that King appeared to be in good health and spirits upon his return.
In a statement, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed gratitude to both Sweden and China for their crucial roles in facilitating King’s release. Sullivan commended Sweden for serving as the “protecting power” for the United States in North Korea and acknowledged China’s assistance in enabling Private King’s transit.
While some details surrounding King’s release from North Korea remain unclear, the soldier had crossed the border into North Korea from South Korea in July. He had previously been released from detention in South Korea on an assault conviction and was expected to return to the United States. North Korea subsequently decided to expel King, citing an “illegal intrusion” into their territory.
Upon learning of North Korea’s intention to expel King, the U.S. government initiated efforts to secure his release, collaborating with Sweden and other partners. The official described the ensuing operation as “truly complex” and involving coordination across multiple federal agencies. Due to security concerns, specific details regarding King’s transfer from North Korea to China were not disclosed.
Notably, while China facilitated the transfer, it did not mediate negotiations between the United States and North Korea to reach an agreement for King’s release. The official emphasized that North Korea did not receive any concessions from the United States in exchange for King’s release.
The soldier’s future remains uncertain, given that he was declared “AWOL” (Absent Without Leave) by the U.S. government. Nonetheless, King’s release marks the conclusion of a challenging episode that had escalated tensions between the United States and North Korea. Questions had arisen regarding the White House’s efforts to secure King’s release and whether he might face additional charges upon returning to the United States. King’s detention in North Korea marked the first instance of an American in North Korean custody in five years.